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Monday, January 26, 2015

Where the Path is Leading Shana & Shelia Today: A Path Appears Update

A Path Appears: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide is a 3-part documentary from journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn that explores gender-based oppression, as well as effective solutions, across the U.S. and abroad. The first segment of the film explores sex trafficking, prostitution and the connections with early abuse, and features the stories of Shana Goodwin and Shelia McClain, both graduates and employees of Thistle Farms & Magdalene. As the documentary was filmed in 2013, we thought viewers would like to know a little about their lives today.

This past weekend, Shana Goodwin moved into a cozy new 2-bedroom home with plenty of space for her kids and the goal of homeownership on the horizon! Reflecting on where she is today Shana says, “I’m just grateful. Every night when I lie down in my bed, I think of those nights of sleeping under a bridge. I never want to forget. My next thought is that there's still a girl under there now. I feel it in my gut – the desire to help the woman who is still out there.”

Shana is a Thistle Farms sales representative and a vital member of our retail team. One of the best ways to help her in her mission to bring more women off the streets, is to recruit new retail stores to carry our line around the country. Have a favorite local bath & body care shop? Tell them about Thistle Farms and encourage them to carry our product. You can reach out to the Thistle Farms sales team and give us your suggestions by CLICKING HERE.

In August, Shelia Simpkins McClain earned her B.S. in Psychology. With the goal of earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling, Shelia is already using her education in her work at Magdalene and as an Intervention Specialist at End Slavery Tennessee. When asked what getting this degree means to her, Shelia said, “I was raised to believe I was dumb and that I wouldn’t achieve anything. This degree means that wasn’t true. I'm already using my degree with our program for inmates, Magdalene on the Inside. My degree helped me redefine my place in the circle as a professional and a graduate. It has shown me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.”

As Magdalene’s Assistant Resident Manager and Coordinator of our prison program, Shelia is a key member of the team. Additionally, she works with juvenile and adult victims of trafficking at End Slavery Tennessee. You can watch a short clip of Shelia speaking to inmates here and learn more about End Slavery Tennessee here. Like Shana, Shelia’s passion is about bringing women off the streets, and giving them a chance at a new life. Shelia and the program team can always use donations of welcome baskets for new residents and gift cards to purchase supplies for residents and inmates. Contact stacye@thistlefarms.org for details or CLICK HERE to learn more.

Thank you for sharing your story. I have never seen such brave women. I pray that each day a young woman is able to be rescued and inspired by your stories. Love exists and we can all make a difference.

I watched the documentary on PBS last night and I was overwhelmed with disbelief and horror on how young girls and women are treated like "trash" in our society. At the same time, I was also overjoyed with the success these brave and beautiful girls/women have experienced in turning their lives around. I wish them only the best in their endeavors, and I will do my part to ensure that they achieve their personal dreams as well as the goal of "shutting down" the hellish trap of slave trafficking in our country.

I just saw this on PBS and it really hit close to home in so many ways. I just want to say that you women are truly amazing and what you do, I can't even put into words...other than how much I admire you, and look up to y'all after so many have looked down on you, keep up the good work!

Thank you for the updates on Shana and Shelia. I am inspired by their strength and resiliency. It's wonderful to know about Thistle Farms and all the different programs that help these women find a new direction in their lives. I live in California so I'm glad you have an online store where I can purchase items to support all these wonderful efforts. Thank you for an innovative and humanizing solution to the problem of sex trafficking.

God Bless Shana and Sheila and all of the woman who have been and continue to be subjected to abuse. I am in awe of your grace and strength at overcoming such horrific circumstances, as well as your committment to helping others affected by drugs and sex trafficing. You are amazing and I am grateful that with so much negativity in the media and glorification of wealth and privilage on tv, that PBS has chosen to air this documentary to bring your story to those people, like me, who lived in ignorance of the extent and impact that this has in our own country. You have created an advocate and supporter in me and I'm sure in many others by opening our eyes and stirring a fire inside of us to take action. Thank you for your bravery!